Former Sunderland midfielder joins Spennymoor

Former Sunderland reserve-team midfielder Jamie Chandler has penned a two-year deal with ambitious Spennymoor Town after leaving Gateshead.

Chandler, from South Shields, is among five new signings by Moors boss Jason Ainsley as he prepares for the daunting challenge of life in the EvoStik League Premier Division next season.

I am over the moon to be part of the project.

Chandler’s ex-Gateshead team-mates James Curtis and Rob Ramshaw have also signed up at the Brewery Field, while Moors have tied down Darlington striker Graeme Armstrong and Ashington midfielder Andrew Johnson.

Chandler, 27, said: ‘I am over the moon to be part of the project that Jason and Brad (Groves, the owner) have put in place – the ambition of the club and the squad in place was a major factor.

“I thoroughly believe we will challenge for promotion and can’t wait to start pre-season.”

Former Pools player Ainsley added: “Jamie is an unbelievable signing for the club and shows the ambition and direction we want to go.

“Jamie has played over 100 games in the conference and comes with a wealth of experience and energy, he brings leadership qualities, having captained both Gateshead and Darlington, which will be invaluable in the league we are going into.

“Jamie had lots of clubs chasing his signature over recent weeks, both full-time and part-time, but when he decided to go part time I was confident he would choose Spennymoor over others.”